Northern Michigan University, located in Marquette, Michigan, is a dynamic four-year, public, comprehensive university that has grown its reputation based on its award-winning leadership programs, cutting-edge technology initiatives and nationally recognized academic programs. Northern has a population of about 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Ask a few Northern students what drew them to our university and you will get a variety of answers. That's because there is no single thing that make students want to go to Northern; it is ALL the things that we do here. Northern is big enough to offer a wide variety of academic programs but is also small enough that every time you walk across campus, you'll probably wave "hi" to someone you know.

Curiosity is the raw ingredient of knowledge. It causes us to ask questions, to seek answers, to learn. At Northern Michigan University, natural curiosity and intellectual challenge meet in stimulating classes grounded in the liberal arts. So wherever your curiosity leads you, you can count on the support you need to take the next step, ask the next question, propose the next hypothesis.

The mission of the Northern Michigan University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Recreational Sports and the United States Olympic Training Site is to create an environment that promotes academic excellence, interpersonal growth and social development; embraces diversity; teaches lifetime leisure skills; fosters spirit and tradition; and builds a lifelong connection to NMU.

Yes, you'll attend your classes, but what else will you be doing as a student at Northern? There's so much stuff to choose from. There's a student organization or club – almost 300 at last count-- for just about every interest. If you're into investigating the paranormal, anime or improv comedy, there's a group. Cheer on your fellow Wildcats at a hockey game or volleyball match. Join a competitive club sport or an intramural team. The sky is the limit.

WSU MedStart at NMU

WSU MedStart at NMU

MedStart is a unique Bachelor of Science/medical degree program. It is collaboration between Wayne State University’s School of Medicine (WSUSOM) and Northern Michigan University (NMU). MedStart students complete their bachelor’s degrees at NMU, in the majors of their choice, and within the pre-med advising program.

There are two positions available to high school seniors (incoming freshmen) each year. A committee at the Wayne State School of Medicine will select two students from a group of NMU-selected finalists. The two incoming freshmen selected will be guaranteed admission to Wayne State University’s School of Medicine (but are not obligated to enroll there) as long as continuation criteria (see below) are fulfilled.

This highly competitive program trains medical innovators and creative thinkers. Preference is given to applicants from medically underserved areas (rural or urban) that may have an interest in becoming a primary care physician and working in such areas.

NMU MedStart freshmen gain medical observation experience through assignment to a physician in the local medical community. Students are also invited to attend Friday noon-hour physician seminars at Marquette General Hospital, and will have the option to spend an expenses-paid, five-day visit to the Wayne State University School of Medicine after completion of their junior year. MedStart students also enjoy all of the benefits of NMU’s renowned pre-med program.

MedStart Continuation Criteria

While at NMU:

Maintain a minimum cumulative NMU GPA of 3.50*

Complete

One year of general biology with lab

One year of general chemistry with lab

One year of organic chemistry with lab

One year of physics with lab
*including a minimum 3.50 GPA in science courses and grades of “B” or higher in NMU courses required by Wayne State University School of Medicine.

Actively participate in NMU premedical activities, including Pre-professional Club and hospital seminars

Demonstrate continuing activity in volunteer work related to health care

Submit scores from the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) following junior year. Students should attain a minimum score of 24 with at least an 8 in the Biological Science section.

Apply to Wayne State University School of Medicine through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) and its designation of special programs

MedStart Eligibility and Application Process

MedStart Application Deadline - High school seniors should submit all items to the NMU Admissions office by February 1.

Minimum criteria for MedStart consideration:

High School GPA of 3.5

ACT composite score of 28 or higher or SAT combined score (math and critical reading) of 1240 or higher

a written explanation of your experience (e.g. describe the amount of time devoted to the activity) in:

High school extracurricular activities and/or employment

Leadership

Team activities (e.g. athletics, debate)

Community service

Health care

a one-page typed essay describing why you are pursuing MedStart and why you should be considered

two letters of recommendation, as follows:

one from a high school teacher/counselor/administrator who is familiar with your extracurricular activities, team and/or leadership skills

one from a non-family member who can address your health care experience, community service, and/or employment

MedStart applicants must first apply to and be admitted to Northern Michigan University. Please note that all correspondence related to your MedStart application will be directed to the e-mail address you list on your MedStart application.

Students who complete the MedStart application process by the deadline and meet the minimum requirements will be considered for an interview at NMU. Following the NMU interview, finalists will be selected to interview at Wayne State University with representatives from the School of Medicine. WSUSOM will make the final selection of two students to attend NMU as MedStart students.

Applicants who meet the minimum MedStart GPA and ACT/SAT criteria will receive one of our freshman scholarships and may compete for additional funds, including a four-year full-ride scholarship, through our Presidential Scholars Competition held in the fall for high school seniors.

For more details about WSU MedStart at NMU, contact:
Dr. David Lucas, premedical adviser, at physics@nmu.edu or 906-227-2191 or,
Gerri Daniels, director of admissions, at admiss@nmu.edu or 906-227-2650 or 1-800-682-9797.